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Full Article and Interview from ELLEMEN #HouMinghao October 2026 - Hou Minghao’s Guide to Wandering the Galaxy At the end of December 2017, Hou Minghao posted the following on Weibo: “I still hope to become a true actor. So, please give me a little more time. I will show you an actor who does not forget his original aspirations and continues to grow—Hou Minghao.” Nine years have passed and Hou Minghao has fulfilled that promise. He has acted in dramas, appeared on variety shows, prepared for concerts, and experimented with creating music. His schedule has been filled with all kinds of different projects. Yet now, he seems less eager to confine himself to any one particular identity, and no longer insists that everything must unfold exactly as he once envisioned. This October, he released the studio version of Galaxy Far Far Away. The song speaks of a distant galaxy, as well as the subtle distances between people. For Hou Minghao, it also seems to offer a way of understanding where he is in life right now: between different identities as an actor, a music creator, and more, there are still so many things he wants to explore. Next year, he also plans to release an album, continuing to explore electronic music, love songs, and music videos. Nine years ago, he asked his audience to give him some time. Nine years later, he is still searching for new possibilities. When it comes to work, destiny, and self-expression, he does not seem to have a definitive set of answers just yet. But perhaps the meaning of wandering does not lie in reaching a particular destination as quickly as possible. Rather, it lies in continually discovering along the way just how many other places one can still go. Finding the Reason to Keep Moving Forward There was a small detail on the day of the shoot. Because of the rain, the set needed to be adjusted, which would take quite a bit of time. Throughout the process, however, Hou Minghao patiently remained to the side, quietly getting himself into the right emotional state for the scene. After filming wrapped, he spoke about that moment, saying that he could feel how genuinely the entire team wanted to come together and create something good. That atmosphere naturally rubbed off on him as well, making him willing to put in the effort alongside them. Hou Minghao said that his trust in the people he works with depends, to a large degree, on their level of professionalism. But beyond professionalism, sincerity is equally capable of moving him. Rather than working in a collaboration marked by rigid workplace formalities, where everyone mechanically goes through the motions, he would much rather work alongside a group of people who genuinely take what they do seriously and are committed to making something good together. But he also understands that work cannot always go exactly the way he wants. When something is not what he most wants to do, he tries to find a reason to keep going. “If I were to focus solely on my own immediate, one-sided thoughts, I think it would be very easy to get obsessed over an unsolvable line of thought.” There is rarely just one side to anything. If you focus only on how you feel in the moment, it is easy to see things in an increasingly negative light. Eventually, all that remains is mechanically going through the motions of work, even losing the enjoyment that comes with it. But adjusting one’s mindset does not mean having to accept everything. “The best approach is still to do the things you enjoy as much as possible.” If something genuinely fails to interest him, Hou Minghao will first consider turning it down. He does not want to spend an extended period of time doing things that go against his own wishes simply for the sake of completing an assignment. Rather than completing something without putting his soul into it, he would rather reconsider whether he should accept it. It’s just that reality does not always allow people to do as they please. It is very difficult for someone, throughout the course of their career, to spend every single day doing only the things that interest them most. When the demands of reality conflict with one’s original intentions, Hou Minghao feels that it is also important to try to adjust one’s mindset and not allow oneself to become trapped in negative emotions. For Hou Minghao, this year has been a particularly special one. Music has been a dream of his since childhood, and now, he finally has the opportunity to turn that dream into an ongoing career. Preparing for concerts and releasing new songs have kept him busy, but they have also brought him a sense of accomplishment. The same goes for his concerts. For some fans, making the trip to attend a performance may be a way to recharge their batteries amid the demands of everyday life and work. For Hou Minghao, meeting them is also a way of replenishing his own energy. He sees their relationship as a two-way effort, with both sides making their way toward each other. Learning to Accept the Limits of Fate In Hou Minghao’s view, #YangWujian, his character in #Immortalis, has one distinct quality that sets him apart from some of the characters he has played before—he has a strong sense of the warmth of everyday life. Immortalis tells the story of an ordinary person who finds himself carrying the weight of an extraordinary destiny. Yang Wujian is not someone who knows from the very beginning what mission he is destined to fulfill. The Longevity Palace is where he grew up and the place most familiar to him. To him, it is first and foremost a home, a place where there are people he wants to protect, and an everyday life he cannot bear to lose. This makes the choices Yang Wujian faces when confronted with destiny quite different from those found in many traditional heroic tales. Due to various objective reasons, his life may come to an end in his forties. Death is no longer some distant possibility that he can afford to set aside for the time being, but something that's already become part of how he plans his life—it's become a boundary he cannot avoid confronting. What lies before him is not simply the question of how to face his own fate, but also how to protect the people he cares about with the limited time he has. What Hou Minghao finds most moving about Yang Wujian is not his fierce resistance against fate, but rather his attitude when facing it. He is not a defiant rebel in the mold of Nezha, nor does he regard breaking free from fate as his sole objective. For Yang Wujian, since there are aspects of life that cannot be changed, then choosing to protect his family and make the most of the limited time he has to live well is also a choice. “Even if it is brief, it should still be beautiful.” With this one sentence, Hou Minghao sums up Yang Wujian’s state of mind. Hou Minghao said that he has portrayed quite a few characters with tragic fates, but in real life, it would be difficult for him to truly encounter the kinds of circumstances Yang Wujian has experienced. Perhaps what this character has left him with is not a lesson in how to solve any particular problem, but rather a new perspective that even when a person cannot change everything, they can still choose how to spend the time they have. This has some similarities to Hou Minghao’s own approach to work. He does not advocate resigning oneself to fate. When it comes to things he truly likes, he is still willing to fight for them. It's just that he has also gradually come to understand that making an effort does not imply one must struggle against every outcome that does not go one's way. For Yang Wujian, protecting his family and making his limited life as beautiful as possible is the choice he can make. For Hou Minghao, how to navigate the trade-offs that come with work remains a question he must continue to answer. Searching for Answers in a Distant Galaxy If Yang Wujian led Hou Minghao to reflect on how a person faces their own fate, then Galaxy Far Far Away has prompted him to rethink the distances between people. In his imagination, the relationship between himself and his fans is much like a distant galaxy. Some travel from overseas, while others cross great distances, all just for the chance to see him. The distance is real, yet whenever they finally meet, Hou Minghao thinks being able to come together is, in itself, a lucky thing. Before a concert or fan meeting, Hou Minghao would listen to music alone at home and imagine the scene of everyone gathering together. Those moments that have yet to happen, carry a romantic hue. When they finally meet in person, everything becomes tangible. Hou Minghao also experiences what you might call "withdrawal symptoms." For example, after a meeting with his fans comes to an end, everything that had just felt so real suddenly seems to retreat into the distance. Those moments they experienced together go back to become things he can only touch through his memories. And so, the distant galaxy is distance, and is memory. It may seem impossibly far away, yet in certain moments, it can bring people closer together. For example, at Hou Minghao's concerts, he hopes to create an immersive atmosphere that allows the audience to remember a particular moment, a certain dance move, or an image that truly resonates deep within them. Back in the recording studio, he aims to gradually draw listeners into his own musical world through the textures of electronic music and the layering of sound. “At the same time, it tells everyone that they are a part of my musical world, too.” Hou Minghao says he is in no rush to explain every emotion, nor does he intend to prescribe a single interpretation for his listeners. To him, music can take many different forms of expression, and listeners are free to bring their own experiences and feelings into it. This year, he has approached music as a new trial. The electronic music, love songs, and music videos he used to like have all become directions he wants to explore. Next, he also hopes to incorporate more of his personal aesthetic and artistic expression into the album. Nine years ago, Hou Minghao asked the audience to give him some time, so they could see an actor who continues to make progress. Nine years later, he is still moving forward. Only now, he is exploring more than just how to become a better actor. He is also exploring how to turn his own feelings into music, giving those emotions that are difficult to put into words a form that others can hear. The galaxy in Galaxy Far Far Away is distant and abstract, yet people can hear their own distinct stories within the same song. For Hou Minghao, perhaps music is much the same. It does not need to provide a definitive answer, nor does it need to explain every emotion. It simply needs to leave a little room for feelings that have yet to find their way into words. As for where his next destination will be, he is still exploring. The galaxy is far away, there is no need to complete the journey all at once. (Link: mp.weixin.qq.com/s/uAWGi8DqX…)

#HouMinghao | ELLEMEN October 2026 “When it comes to work, fate, and self-expression, Hou Minghao doesn’t seem to have any definitive answers just yet. But perhaps the meaning of wandering isn’t about reaching a particular destination as quickly as possible, but rather about continually discovering along the way where else one can go. As for where his next stop will be, he is still exploring. The galaxy is vast, there is no need to complete the journey all at once.”

#Immortalis 500k reservation perk is here! BTS: Three Taoist Priests from Maoshan Director Hou comes to work and after some directing, he goes, "Does that work, Director?" The director replies, "Yes, okay, no problem, very good!" Hou Minghao also suggested to have the horsetail whisk hit him for comedic effect. 🐱: "Did you hit me? I don't think so. Try hitting me. It's pretty fun. Let's keep it!" #HouMinghao #YangWujian

Zhengzhou Day 2 - Talking after “Who Do You Love?” 🐱: “Who do you love?” 🥝: “Love you!” 🐱: “Who?” 🥝: “Love you!” 🐱: “If it’s me…then may I make a small request?” 🥝: “Yes! Anything for you!!!” 🐱: “I may? Then for the thanking segment later, help me thank them. Is that okay?” 🥝: “No!” 🐱: “No, why? Do you just say ‘love’ that easily? You say ‘love’ this easily? What? What did you say? You love me but not them? But…” (*sighs and scratches head*) #HouMinghaoBelongsToUs2026 #HouMinghao

🐱: “Ei? It’s extinguished!” (Like it’s some torch lmfao) 🐱: “How is this controlled? Sound-controlled?” 🥝: “Controlled centrally!” 🐱: “Controlled centrally? Oh, so high-tech.” (*waves it like a fairy wand*) “Oh, so this is what it feels like.” And then he turns into Ultraman Ace hhh #HouMinghaoBelongsToUs2026 #HouMinghao

Zhengzhou Day 2 - Here is the result of the thanking segment… 🐱: “Thank you to Hesong Media. Thank you.” 🥝: “Go bankrupt!!!” 🐱: 👀 “It’s okay, it’s my company. Upcoming are other companies, everyone must thank them seriously, okay? Thank you to the event organizer, Youling Culture.” 🥝: “Go bankrupt!” 🐱: 😅 “It’s okay, it’s a company I’m collaborating with.” // Thanking the concert team just fine // 🐱: “Thank you, Weibo. Thank you.” 🥝: “Go bankrupt!” 🐱: “Behave. Really. Just once, okay? Just once. The higher-ups from Weibo are all watching…” 😆 #HouMinghaoBelongsToUs2026 #HouMinghao

Talking Pt - The power of “Yuanzhou’s Youth” (For the second day in a row 😭😭😭) #HouMinghao: “My tears just now were not because I thought of Zhao Yuanzhou. It was because hearing these lyrics, it made me think of my past self, and also of all of you as you were before I ever stood on this stage. Back then, I said that my ideal in life, my wish, was to hold a concert of my own. That was my dream. The person I was back then seems very small compared to who I am today. To me, he was just a rather naïve and inexperienced young boy, but he had a very pure dream. I believe that when everyone was young, they had that kind of very pure heart, as well as a place deep inside themselves that was so pure that they didn't want anyone else to touch it. When I sang this song just now, I thought of the person I used to be. I never imagined that this wish could actually come true. But standing here today, I feel especially grateful to my past self. Just like the lyrics I just sang, “Want to shout loudly, want everybody to hear.” Today, I let everybody hear my singing. Each one of you seated, heard it. I have to thank myself, that youth I used to be. And I also have to thank you all for your support. Besides this, I also really want to thank my parents. I believe there are many of you with parents accompanying you here. I see what you have posted on social media. Perhaps, you sometimes have minor conflicts with your parents. But I feel, regardless of whether they support you or not, have conflicts with you or not, they are people who raised and nurtured you. We have to thank them. Besides coming to see me, you must take good care of your parents, okay? Because when you were little, your parents were the only ones who were carefully protecting that very young and vulnerable heart of yours.” #HouMinghaoBelongsToUs2026

Zhengzhou Day 2 - Signed Bouquet Gifting #HouMinghao: “Those who are observant will definitely notice that there have been some small adjustments to the present for this segment. And why that is? It’s mainly because the purpose of this segment is to give back to everybody. Why did I suddenly change it to gift flowers this time? Because every time, whether it’s my important day, or at some important place and time, you will all gift me some flowers. Like support flowers at boot up or wrap up, and backstage when I have concerts, I often receive the flowers you send me. I feel, although…although I receive flowers you send me several times a year, I’ve never gifted you all, flowers. I’ve never given them to you, given them to you personally. So I feel that I actually owe each one of you a bouquet of flowers. Today, this Taomei is very lucky to receive this on behalf of all Taomeis. Of course, I hope the thought behind this can be conveyed to everybody here. It’s me who owes you a bouquet of flowers. Today, I gift it to you all.” #HouMinghaoBelongsToUs2026 #HouMinghao

Zhengzhou Day 2 Talking Pt. 2 🐱: “Thank you, everyone, for being so enthusiastic! Actually, I don’t know why, but… Of course, Taomeis in every city are all very enthusiastic. But maybe it’s because I took off my in-ear monitors several times. I feel like the sound from the audience was especially loud today. Is that right? Let me hear you again!!! Let’s see, for the Taomeis here, let me hear you, okay? Attention, Taomei! 3, 2, 1!” 🥝: “Aaaaaaah!!!” 🐱: “Then let me see if there are any Taoges here. 3, 2, 1!” 🥝 (Taomei): “Whoa, there’s so many Taoges. Why!” 🐱: “There’s THIS many?! Whoa, thank you guys. Hey, I see you! Did you come alone? Oh, you came together. (Have a) happy and fulfilling life! Happy and fulfilling life! I won’t cue you anymore. Otherwise, Taomeis will get jealous. Okay, no more joking around. This time, I don’t plan to carry you guys for the first two lines. Can you complete it yourself? ‘Cause I’ll always love you at the end of the day~’ Can you do it? Okay, get ready. ‘Cause I’ll always love—’” 🥝: “you at the end of the day…” 🐱: “Whoa, you really improved. So much stronger than yesterday! You were secretly practicing, weren’t you? I really didn’t help for the first two lines at all. So impressive! Okay, then let’s try this—(*very high note*) ‘Youuu’re in the galaxy~~~ 🎤😆 My bad, my bad. I’m just kidding. Next time I will test on high notes. I will gradually increase the difficulty.” #HouMinghaoBelongsToUs2026 #HouMinghao

Eng subbed! This song is a MASTERPIECE (I've been listening to it every hour since its premiere and have the song memorized already lol !!SO GOOD!!) youtu.be/T2CzkMiaDjs

Watch history repeat itself 🤣🤣🤣 Title: “When the mic is in front of you, you will get a super long phone call…” 📢: “Choose again!” 🐱: “Choose again? You guys want to choose again?” 📢: “Choose again!” 🐱: “Tour…will prepare different surprises for everyone…” 📢: “I feel unwell! (jealous)” 🐱: “Don’t feel unwell.” 📢: “Take the jacket off!” 🐱: “I saw your social medias. Some people know where the audio receiver is…” 📢: “We’ve been found out. Yes, it’s me!!! On your left, on your left! You’re so awesome! You are awesome!!!” 📢: “The floor section feels unwell!” 🐱: “The floor section feels unwell?” 🐱: “Some songs with strong emotions, when I listen to them alone in the deep night, they bring me lots of strength—” 📢: “Turn around!” 🐱: *turns around* #HouMinghaoBelongsToUs2026 #HouMinghao